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ABC International and its Australia Network have further strengthened and expanded the long term international relationship with China’s media powerhouse, the Shanghai Media Group, with support from the media authorities of the Chinese Government in Shanghai.

On the back of the Australian Government’s Australia Week in China trade mission, ABC International and the Australia Network have struck an international multi-platform media cooperation arrangement supported by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV. The detailed agreement to formalize the arrangement is slated to be signed in Shanghai on May 4.

Through the cooperation, ABC International will establish an online portal in China through which a range of ABC and other Australian media content and services can be offered and presented to partner Chinese media organisations.

The arrangement also enables the ABC to establish a base in Shanghai with official approval to represent and sell media content across China, enter into international co-productions, and generate international sponsorship and promotional opportunities.

“This historic agreement opens up a whole new world of television and online cooperation between Australia and China,” ABC Managing Director Mark Scott said. “It provides a truly unique window for all Australian media to build a friendly and mutually cooperative relationship with China.”

“International Channel Shanghai last week broadcast a week of Australian TV programs provided by the ABC and Australia Network to coincide with Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s visit. Q&A’s live broadcast in China was the first open interactive public comment style program broadcast live from China to Australia. The success of last week and the future under this agreement will help build understanding between China and Australia.”

Mr Sun Wei, the Executive Director of the Shanghai Media Group’s International Channel Shanghai, said: “The Shanghai Media Group is China’s second largest media organization and its recent restructure ensures we are looking to further build our international media partnerships.

“Ground breaking international broadcasts such as Q&A, which was produced as a collaboration between Australian and Chinese television crews, pave the way for bigger and better international media cooperation and cultural connections in the future.”

Lynley Marshall, the CEO of ABC International, said: “This agreement will enable us to put the full range of Australia Network programming and content from other Australian media into China and for China to connect more closely with our media”.

“Most importantly, the agreement will provide opportunities for promotion of Australian business, tourism, entertainment, culture and education”.

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